Vertical Influences is a contemporary ice skating double-bill. Through a unique virtuosity, "Influences" explores human inter-relations and the the link between an individual and its group. Leadership, bullying, individualism, rivalry... We see a group living obvious tensions but evolving toward a new harmony. In "Vertical", a superb group of five liberated individuals challenges the audience with a unique speed vertigo. This rhythmical choreographic essay explores a new relation between spectators and performance: the audience is seated on the ice surface in order to witness intensely a skating that moves a lot of air... literally. Vertical Influences was presented more than 130 times: theaters doing off-site programming, integration in arts festivals, creation of a special attractions for ice rinks, etc. With its own equipment, the company transforms standard ice-hockey into pop-up theaters. Those ice rinks discretely exist in all cities. Le Patin Libre can also use outdoor ice rinks or install temporary ice anywhere. In all cases, a well rehearsed technical expertise allows ultra-fast load-ins minimizing the impact of our presentations on the schedule of the rinks our presenters collaborate with.
Choreography: Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, Samory Ba, Taylor Dilley, Jasmin Boivin (Le Patin Libre) Music: Jasmin Boivin Dramaturg: Ruth Little Lighting designer: Lucy Carter Costume designer: Jenn Pocobene Produced by Le Patin Libre Commissioned by Emma Gladstone and the Dance Umbrella Festival (London, UK), the National Arts Centre (Ottawa, Canada) and the Théâtre de la Ville (Paris, France) Research support: Jerwood Project at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre (London, UK) Production support: Conseil des Arts et Lettres du Québec, Conseil des Arts du Canada, Conseil des Arts de Montréal